Quick take:
The city of Mansoul, which represents the soul of man, unknowingly finds itself under attack by Diabolus, who represents Satan. The city is deceived to follow Satan in much the same manner as in the Garden of Eden. The ensuing chapters trace God’s operations to regain the city. After the city turns back to God, Diabolus attacks again to try to conquer once more. All aspects of life, attitudes, and character are represented by names, such as Mr. Hard-Heart and Mr. Carnal-Security. This is an epic story of good vs. evil.
My impression:
“The Holy War” is familiar to every believer in Christ. It is the battle of good and evil in daily life. I found many parts amusing such as Mr. Tradition, who is able to serve on both sides of the war; and the Diabolonian armor such as the “shield of unbelief.”
Important excerpt:
“Then the Prince called for the prisoners to come and to stand again before him, and they came and stood trembling. And he said unto them, ‘The sins, trespasses, iniquities that you, with the whole town of Mansoul, have from time to time committed against my Father and me, I have power and commandment from my Father to forgive to the town of Mansoul, and do forgive you accordingly.’ ”
Children of Evil-Questioning
The Children of Evil-Questioning:
1. Mr. Doubt
2. Legal-Life - died in a hold.
3. Mr. Unbelief - never caught.
4. Wrong-Thoughts-of-Christ - died in prison.
5. Clip-Promise - Severe judgement of being whipped and then hanged.
6. Carnal-Sense - escaped from prison and is not caught.
7. Live-by-Feeling - died in a hold.
8. Self-Love - judgement deferred.
9. No-Hope
[3]
1. Mr. Doubt
2. Legal-Life - died in a hold.
3. Mr. Unbelief - never caught.
4. Wrong-Thoughts-of-Christ - died in prison.
5. Clip-Promise - Severe judgement of being whipped and then hanged.
6. Carnal-Sense - escaped from prison and is not caught.
7. Live-by-Feeling - died in a hold.
8. Self-Love - judgement deferred.
9. No-Hope
[3]
Diabolonians left in Mansoul
Another group of Diabolonians left in Mansoul:
1. Mr. Fooling - Hanged in Want-Wit-Alley.
2. Mr. Let-Good-Slip - Executed by Lord Will-be-will.
3. Mr. Slavish Fear
4. Mr. No-Love
5. Mr. Mistrust
6. Mr. Flesh
7. Mr. Sloth
[3]
1. Mr. Fooling - Hanged in Want-Wit-Alley.
2. Mr. Let-Good-Slip - Executed by Lord Will-be-will.
3. Mr. Slavish Fear
4. Mr. No-Love
5. Mr. Mistrust
6. Mr. Flesh
7. Mr. Sloth
[3]
Mr. Diligence
"When the Will of the renewed man is seconded by diligence in search and action, all is well for the soul’s health and well-being. Something like Mr. PRYWELL is this trusty servant of the sanctified Will, Mr. DILIGENCE. He goes up and down, and to and fro, in the soul, searching out the lurking power of evil. Bunyan means by this to lay repeated honor on the principle of self-examination. It is well for the soul when it is thus watchful and diligent, and prompt in giving information; and when the Will is strong and resolute to act upon the information given."[2]
Evil-Questioning
"The form that this present phase of peril assumes, is that of doubt arising in the soul from the spirit of evil-questioning. This is not the spirit of legitimate inquiry, nor of diligent self-examination, but rather a spirit of unbelief, engendered in the soul by the encouragement of morbid doubts, as indicated by the names of the Doubters here referred to, which signify a revival of those doubts which question God’s electing love, his effectual call, the fullness of salvation, and that all is of God’s good grace and mercy."[2]
Malice in the county of Envy
"Persecutors who are influenced by malice. These are the guilty persecutors, whose spirit comes of sin. These know the truth, but hate it; see the light, but come not to it; and with malice prepense pursue good men to death. These are they who seek to fulfill their lust of blood upon the servants of the Most High—the Blood-men of the past history of the Church and people of God. Well did the soul cry out to the Prince against this danger, 'Lord, save Mansoul from bloody men!'"[2]
Blind-zeal-shire
"Those who are influenced by blind zeal. These are alluded to by our blessed Lord, when he said to his disciples, 'Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service;' and this would arise from spiritual blindness; for he adds, 'And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me,' John 16:2, 3. This is that sort of zeal of which the Apostle speaks, as being 'not according to knowledge.'"[2]
Blind-man-shire
"There are those who persecute in ignorance. Such were even some of the persecutors of our Lord, and hence his dying prayer—'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,' Luke 23:34. For such as these there is mercy. Hence the dying prayer of the martyr Stephen—'Lay not this sin to their charge,' Acts 7:60. Saul of Tarsus was also one of this class, for he says of himself, 'Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief,' 1 Timothy 1:13."[2]
Captain Self-Denial
"In the face of threatening danger, there is no more effective ally to the soul than the principle of self-denial. Self-indulgence is not the spirit of martyrs; it needs a stronger principle to enable a man to resist the blood-men of persecution.
Self-denial is the discipline of the Christian man; he has to fight the good fight, therefore he must be bred and inured to hardships; he has to sail the voyage of life, and must therefore be strong to face the tempests, and brave the billows of the deep. Self-denial is the medicine of the soul—not always sweet, but most frequently bitter. Self-denial is the foundation of manly heroism and of all heroic virtues—'seeking not her own.' This is a cross-bearing place, even to the mount of sacrifice. Self-denial thinks more of tomorrow’s sunshine than of the tempest of today. It provides for the time to come at the cost of the time now present; and walks by faith of future glory, and not by sight of present suffering—'choosing rather to suffer affliction—having respect unto the recompense of the reward.' Martyrs have always been self-denying men."[2]
Self-denial is the discipline of the Christian man; he has to fight the good fight, therefore he must be bred and inured to hardships; he has to sail the voyage of life, and must therefore be strong to face the tempests, and brave the billows of the deep. Self-denial is the medicine of the soul—not always sweet, but most frequently bitter. Self-denial is the foundation of manly heroism and of all heroic virtues—'seeking not her own.' This is a cross-bearing place, even to the mount of sacrifice. Self-denial thinks more of tomorrow’s sunshine than of the tempest of today. It provides for the time to come at the cost of the time now present; and walks by faith of future glory, and not by sight of present suffering—'choosing rather to suffer affliction—having respect unto the recompense of the reward.' Martyrs have always been self-denying men."[2]
Captain Pope
"POPE, well worthy of a place amid the chief persecutors, and well described by the device upon the escutcheon of his standard-bearer—'The stake, the flame, and the good man in it!'"[2]
Captain Absalom
"ABSALOM, the type of those men who would persecute even their own flesh, recognizing no tie of affection, no claim of relationship, no bond of brotherhood or sonship;"[2]
Captain Ishmael
"ISHMAEL, the scorner of the holy seed, the vagrant of the desert, a man of blood—'his hand against every man, and every man’s hand against him;'"[2]
Captain Nimrod
"NIMROD; the mighty hunter, the beginning of whose kingdom was Babel, commenced in presumption, and ended in confusion."[2]
Army of Blood-Men
"the names of the captains of the army of Blood-men are suggestive, embodying those names which are in Holy Scripture, or in human history, associated with rapine, hatred, and bloodshed; "[2]
Diabolonians in Mansoul
Diabolonians in Mansoul that would work for Diabolus;
1. Mr. Penny-Wise-Pound-Foolish
2. Get-i'the-Hundred-and Lose-i'the-Shire
3. Mr. Profuse
4. Mr. Prodigality
5. Mr. Voluptuous
6. Mr. Pragmatical
7. Mr. Ostentation
[3]
1. Mr. Penny-Wise-Pound-Foolish
2. Get-i'the-Hundred-and Lose-i'the-Shire
3. Mr. Profuse
4. Mr. Prodigality
5. Mr. Voluptuous
6. Mr. Pragmatical
7. Mr. Ostentation
[3]
Mr. Fooling
"Amid the earnest strivings of the soul, and its better thoughts and resolutions, there will yet at times intervene some secret whisper of the evil nature—some rebellious thought that would counsel foolishness, some remnant of the old nature that would still make itself heard, some representative of the old Adam rising up in the soul to counteract its better feelings, and to weaken or modify its good intentions. Such is this principle, Mr. FOOLING."[2]
Feel-Gate
"The army of doubt always assails the feelings; and this is the weak point of too many believers, especially, when their faith is wounded, their experience low, and their hope laid prostrate. When faith is full, and strong, and sure, it triumphs over mere feeling, and subordinates all the rising doubts and fears to its dominion and command. The feelings demand palpable evidences—but faith is satisfied with the promise of Jesus. The unbelieving Jews sought to see “signs and wonders;” but the nobleman, exercising implicit faith, 'believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way,' John 4:48–50."[2]
Lord Cavil, Lord Brisk, Lord Pragmatic, Lord Murmur
The Diabolonians- Lord Cavil, Lord Brisk, Lord Pragmatic, and Lord Murmur were killed by Lord Will-be-will.
Gripe and Rake-All
"These, again, are the offspring of the disguised Diabolonian nature—the well-named children of Prudent-Thrifty, more truly called by the name of Covetousness. See how vain it is to change the name of any evil principle: its nature remains the same, and familiarity with it breeds bitter fruit. In this case, the soul harboring the lust of gain, becomes grasping and greedy, and, to all intents and purposes, the slave of covetousness. This remnant or outgrowth of the old man must also be destroyed. The mind must act with vigor, and deal honestly with itself; it must cast mere names to the winds, and regard the true nature of things. Thus only can the evil heart be thoroughly searched out and examined, and sin exterminated, root and branch."[2]
Jolly and Griggish
The sons of Harmless-Mirth.[3]
"One would think that Bunyan had borrowed, by anticipation, a part of the 'slang' of our own age, when he indicates by these names the offspring of that Diabolonian principle, Lasciviousness, which disguised itself under the more deceptive name of Harmless-Mirth. The names here given to his two sons are, indeed, very suggestive, and point to those features of the worldly mind which include carnal pleasure, the mirth that hurts the soul, the laughter that makes one sad, and the joy of the world, that so soon turns to sorrow and bitterness. Worldly pleasure ofttimes relaxes the discipline of the soul; the bow unbent is subject to reaction; and that which seemed to be harmless, pleasurable, and mirthful, becomes the occasion of a deep decline of faith and holiness, and, at last, a grievous downfall of the soul. These principles must be put to the cross—crucified and slain; else, that which is the offspring of past sin may become the parent of future transgression."[2]
"One would think that Bunyan had borrowed, by anticipation, a part of the 'slang' of our own age, when he indicates by these names the offspring of that Diabolonian principle, Lasciviousness, which disguised itself under the more deceptive name of Harmless-Mirth. The names here given to his two sons are, indeed, very suggestive, and point to those features of the worldly mind which include carnal pleasure, the mirth that hurts the soul, the laughter that makes one sad, and the joy of the world, that so soon turns to sorrow and bitterness. Worldly pleasure ofttimes relaxes the discipline of the soul; the bow unbent is subject to reaction; and that which seemed to be harmless, pleasurable, and mirthful, becomes the occasion of a deep decline of faith and holiness, and, at last, a grievous downfall of the soul. These principles must be put to the cross—crucified and slain; else, that which is the offspring of past sin may become the parent of future transgression."[2]
Mouth-Gate
"Through Mouth-gate Mansoul prayed. The mouth is the highway of prayer, from the heart of man to the throne of God. It is the 'sally-port' of the soul for supplication. Prayer is the preserver of the soul, as the salt preserves the sea. Prayer is the pillar of the soul, against which it leans, and supports its failing strength. DIABOLUS may talk of Goliath, the proud Philistine, and disdain him, as the Philistine disdained the stripling David; but, in the praying soul, Satan has to deal with more than a Goliath; yea, the giant of Gath stood not in half such strength! 'O Lord, open thou our lips, and our mouth shall show forth thy praise.'"[2]
Mounts of Diabolus
The four Mounts of Diabolus:
1. Mount Diabolus
2. Mount Alecto
3. Mount Megara
4. Mount Tisiphone
1. Mount Diabolus
2. Mount Alecto
3. Mount Megara
4. Mount Tisiphone
Superior Captains of Diabolus
Superior Captains in the Army of Doubters:
1. Lord Beelzebub
2. Lord Lucifer
3. Lord Legion
4. Lord Apollyon
5. Lord Python
6. Lord Cerberus
7. Lord Belial
[3]
1. Lord Beelzebub
2. Lord Lucifer
3. Lord Legion
4. Lord Apollyon
5. Lord Python
6. Lord Cerberus
7. Lord Belial
[3]
Mr. Prywell
"Hitherto, secrecy had been the seal of the plot. The better principles of the soul had long been unwakeful, unheeding of the danger, and, so far, ignorant of the devices of Satan. It was by stealth, disguise, and secret counsel that the Diabolonians had proceeded thus far, taking advantage of the soul’s slumbering. But now, the soul awakes, or is awakened, through the agency of one of the remaining principles of the renewed man—PRYWELL. This is the spirit of self-suspicion and self-examination of the soul—the searching, prying spirit, that first tries whether all is right, and then examines what is wrong, and promptly reports the results to the mind, and will, and conscience, and understanding. This principle is here represented as moving to and fro, and going up and down, and searching through and through, all the highways, and by-ways, and thoroughfares, and secret dens of the soul, detecting the thoughts and discovering the intents of the heart, and spying out the hidden collusion of the soul with Satan."[2]
Army of Doubters
"Here commences the inauguration of that terrible army of doubt, which continues to harass the soul, more or less, even to the end. This is an interesting—a painfully interesting—phase of the soul’s oft-chequered history. For now the devices of Satan are designed against the few remaining hopes and joys of Mansoul; and a dark and terrible night of anguish is about, for a time at least, to settle upon the spirit of the man, whose spiritual history is here described.
We must not omit to mention here that this phase of the allegory not only opens up the sequel of the HOLY WAR, but also illustrates that arrow of Satan’s quiver, which was ever the most powerful against Bunyan himself—the weapon of doubt. Some of us might be more exposed to the assault of pride; others might yield more easily to the wanton and vain spirit; but Bunyan seems ever to have fallen most easily under the power of doubt and desperation. He has, therefore, very naturally thrown this part of his Allegory in the direction of his own experience; and, as he had done in the PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, so now he speaks of himself and of his own fierce struggles with the Wicked One."[2]
We must not omit to mention here that this phase of the allegory not only opens up the sequel of the HOLY WAR, but also illustrates that arrow of Satan’s quiver, which was ever the most powerful against Bunyan himself—the weapon of doubt. Some of us might be more exposed to the assault of pride; others might yield more easily to the wanton and vain spirit; but Bunyan seems ever to have fallen most easily under the power of doubt and desperation. He has, therefore, very naturally thrown this part of his Allegory in the direction of his own experience; and, as he had done in the PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, so now he speaks of himself and of his own fierce struggles with the Wicked One."[2]
Good-Zeal
Lord Anger disguised himself as Good-Zeal.[3]
"There is another, who would repel the charge of 'anger;' but yet his spirit may be soured by prejudice and embittered by partiality; and in his very anger he may persecute, or betray, or even burn you. He calls it 'Good-Zeal;' but it is the spirit of 'anger' notwithstanding, and a sin. Sir Everard Digby, one of the conspirators in the Gunpowder Treason, wrote thus to his wife, after his condemnation:—'If I had thought there had been the least sin in the plot, I would not have been of it for all the world; and no other cause drew me to hazard my fortune and life but zeal to God’s religion.' (Hume’s History, chapter 46) It is respecting this deceptive sin that Jesus spake, when he said—'Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service,' John 16:2."[2]
"There is another, who would repel the charge of 'anger;' but yet his spirit may be soured by prejudice and embittered by partiality; and in his very anger he may persecute, or betray, or even burn you. He calls it 'Good-Zeal;' but it is the spirit of 'anger' notwithstanding, and a sin. Sir Everard Digby, one of the conspirators in the Gunpowder Treason, wrote thus to his wife, after his condemnation:—'If I had thought there had been the least sin in the plot, I would not have been of it for all the world; and no other cause drew me to hazard my fortune and life but zeal to God’s religion.' (Hume’s History, chapter 46) It is respecting this deceptive sin that Jesus spake, when he said—'Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service,' John 16:2."[2]
Harmless-Mirth
Lord Lasciviousness disguised himself as Harmless-Mirth.[3]
"And there is yet another, who would avoid open and presumptuous sins, and yet he introduces into his house, under the milder name of Harmless-Mirth, the very essence of the spirit of worldly pleasure, and so mingles the world with religion as to bring the soul into bondage and captivity. It behoves the best of us to guard diligently against the encroachment of the world and of pleasure upon the holy places of the soul; and more especially in this age, in which worldly pleasures incline so very near to ungodliness and sin. There are but few worldly pleasures that are wholly innocent, and but little worldly 'mirth' that can be called altogether 'harmless.'"[2]
"And there is yet another, who would avoid open and presumptuous sins, and yet he introduces into his house, under the milder name of Harmless-Mirth, the very essence of the spirit of worldly pleasure, and so mingles the world with religion as to bring the soul into bondage and captivity. It behoves the best of us to guard diligently against the encroachment of the world and of pleasure upon the holy places of the soul; and more especially in this age, in which worldly pleasures incline so very near to ungodliness and sin. There are but few worldly pleasures that are wholly innocent, and but little worldly 'mirth' that can be called altogether 'harmless.'"[2]
Prudent-Thrifty
Lord Covetousness disguised himself as Prudent-Thrifty.[3]
"There is many a man who would not permit himself to he called a 'covetous' man, and who would himself call “covetousness” a sin, who is, nevertheless, setting his heart upon his gain, under pretext of making proper provision for his family. It is the very spirit of covetousness, all the time; but he calls it by the more harmless but more seductive name of Prudent-Thrift. It is this setting of the heart’s affection upon worldly wealth and earthly gain that gives the point to the words of our blessed Lord when he said, 'How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God'—a sentiment which he immediately afterwards interprets to mean, 'How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God,' Mark 10:23–24."[2]
"There is many a man who would not permit himself to he called a 'covetous' man, and who would himself call “covetousness” a sin, who is, nevertheless, setting his heart upon his gain, under pretext of making proper provision for his family. It is the very spirit of covetousness, all the time; but he calls it by the more harmless but more seductive name of Prudent-Thrift. It is this setting of the heart’s affection upon worldly wealth and earthly gain that gives the point to the words of our blessed Lord when he said, 'How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God'—a sentiment which he immediately afterwards interprets to mean, 'How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God,' Mark 10:23–24."[2]
Mr. Deceit
"When the power of sin revives, and the heart holds counsel with evil, the craft and subtlety of Satan suggests secrecy—the blinding of the conscience, the bribing of the will, the tampering with the power of the understanding. And the chief agent in this secret process is here rightly named DECEIT. 'The deceived heart' is that which is most likely to be kept in ignorance of the devices of Satan. The period of man’s ignorance is the period of Satan’s progress; the season of the untimely sleep of the servants is the season of the sowing of the tares among the good seed. 'An enemy hath done this!'"[2]
Cerberus the porter
"So here, the name of CERBERUS is borrowed from the heathen poets and other writers, who gave that name to the fabled dog of Tartarus, the keeper of the gate of the infernal region. This dog was said to have had three heads, and to have kept watch and ward over the gates of the abyss, that no lost soul should ever be permitted to pass again through those dread portals of the pit. The name is here appropriately applied to the sentinel door-keeper of the den of DIABOLUS."[2]
Mr. Profane
"The hearer of the letter—Mr. PROFANE—indicates that spirit in man that sets at nought things Divine, and urges the soul to direct communication with the Evil One. Every evil thought or desire in the heart is a medium of communication with Satan; for in entertaining such, we consult his pleasure, and, as it were, seek counsel at his lips."[2]
Mr. Mischief
"A council is held; the trysting-place is the house of Mr. MISCHIEF, one rightly so named, for his influence involves mischief to the hopes, mischief to the joys, mischief to the peace, mischief to the evidence of the soul."[2]
Mr. Godly-Fear
"The principle of Godly Fear in the soul is not so high or so hallowed a principle as that of God’s Peace, which has just departed and gone. But Godly Fear is now the representative of 'the things that remain;' and well and boldly does 'the fear of God' in man reprove the erring soul and rebuke the sinner in the decline of his faith, and hope, and love. The words of Godly Fear are like the arrows of conviction in the soul. It calls to remembrance the days of old; it openly reproaches the spirit of Carnal Security; it appeals to the conscience and experience of man, to tell how real is the decline of his joy, and peace, and blessedness, and sets before the soul the contrast between its present low, degraded, and desolate condition, and its former state when IMMANUEL and the SPIRIT reigned within, as the saving and sanctifying principles of the man of God."[2]
Lady Fear-Nothing
The daughter of Lord Will-be-will, the wife of Mr. Self-Conceit, and the mother of Carnal-Security.[3]
Mr. Carnal-Security
"The soul, lacking watchfulness, and heeding not the timely cautions of the Prince, permits the principle of Carnal Security to spring up. This is a corrupt element of our carnal nature, the offspring of spiritual carelessness and self-conceit. This principle is the result of the fallen nature of man—the consequence of pride, self-sufficiency, and self-righteousness, tending to the grievous decline and downfall of the soul’s spiritual health."[2]
Mr. God's-Peace
Mr. God's-Peace was made governor of the town of Mansoul.[3]
"The last of this great series of gifts was in the appointment of a new officer over the town—Mr. GOD’S-PEACE. This principle pervades all, and rules over all, in the soul of the believer. Its origin is from heaven. It is that peace of God shed abroad in the heart which blesses and sanctifies the whole man—body, soul, and spirit; and, under its genial sway, all faith, and hope, and love, and joy, are multiplied; the thoughts are joyous, the feelings happy, and the soul at peace!"[2]
"The last of this great series of gifts was in the appointment of a new officer over the town—Mr. GOD’S-PEACE. This principle pervades all, and rules over all, in the soul of the believer. Its origin is from heaven. It is that peace of God shed abroad in the heart which blesses and sanctifies the whole man—body, soul, and spirit; and, under its genial sway, all faith, and hope, and love, and joy, are multiplied; the thoughts are joyous, the feelings happy, and the soul at peace!"[2]
Remaining Diabolonians
"The second caution has reference to the Diabolonians still lurking in the soul. Even with IMMANUEL in the heart, the power of DIABOLUS is not wholly exterminated from the soul. Sins do not, indeed, dwell within the heart, if Christ be there; but they linger about the walls, and lurk in holes, and dens, and caves. Banished from the heart, sin still abides in the body, the members, the flesh, and the circumstances of man. Hence this timely caution—IMMANUEL advertises the soul of the continued survival of these principles; tells their names and their lurking-places; bids the soul to look in the law of the God, as in a looking-glass, and there to see itself and its spiritual state, and to know the things that antagonize the soul, and bring it low into subjection and captivity."[2]
1. Lord Fornication
2. Lord Adultery
3. Lord Murder
4. Lord Anger
5. Lord Lasciviousness
6. Lord Deceit
7. Lord Evil-Eye
8. Mr. Drunkenness
9. Mr. Reveling
10. Mr. Idolatry
11. Mr. Witch-craft
13. Mr. Variance
14. Mr. Emulation
15. Mr. Wrath
16. Mr. Strife
17. Mr. Sedition
18. Mr. Heresy
19. Lord Blasphemy
20. Lord Covetousness
[3]
1. Lord Fornication
2. Lord Adultery
3. Lord Murder
4. Lord Anger
5. Lord Lasciviousness
6. Lord Deceit
7. Lord Evil-Eye
8. Mr. Drunkenness
9. Mr. Reveling
10. Mr. Idolatry
11. Mr. Witch-craft
13. Mr. Variance
14. Mr. Emulation
15. Mr. Wrath
16. Mr. Strife
17. Mr. Sedition
18. Mr. Heresy
19. Lord Blasphemy
20. Lord Covetousness
[3]
Lord Chief Secretary
"The Divine Teacher is the Holy Spirit. Being co-equal with the Father, the Spirit knows the mysteries of God’s mind, and is the only Teacher of supernatural truth. The great work of the chief Minister is, to take of the things of God, and to show them unto us; to teach, and instruct, and lead us into all truth; to suggest what petitions we should offer; to put life into the dead, to give sight unto the blind, and to sanctify and bless the people of God. It is for man to take heed that nothing shall enter the soul without the express permission of this high ruling power, lest he should thereby grieve the Holy Spirit of God, the chief Teacher of Mansoul."[2]
Mr. Memory
A lieutenant under Captain Experience.[3]
"The names of the subalterns of this Captain are suggestive of a goodly group of Christian talents, indicating the value of Christian knowledge and skill, and the work of the renewed memory as the treasure-house of the renewed heart. Experience is made up of knowledge, of things found out and learned; memory, storing them up for after use in time of need; and skill, in the choice of the best and most useful lessons, with power to make the best use of them in every season of test and trial."[2]
"The names of the subalterns of this Captain are suggestive of a goodly group of Christian talents, indicating the value of Christian knowledge and skill, and the work of the renewed memory as the treasure-house of the renewed heart. Experience is made up of knowledge, of things found out and learned; memory, storing them up for after use in time of need; and skill, in the choice of the best and most useful lessons, with power to make the best use of them in every season of test and trial."[2]
Mr. Skillful
A lieutenant under Captain Experience.[3]
"The names of the subalterns of this Captain are suggestive of a goodly group of Christian talents, indicating the value of Christian knowledge and skill, and the work of the renewed memory as the treasure-house of the renewed heart. Experience is made up of knowledge, of things found out and learned; memory, storing them up for after use in time of need; and skill, in the choice of the best and most useful lessons, with power to make the best use of them in every season of test and trial."[2]
"The names of the subalterns of this Captain are suggestive of a goodly group of Christian talents, indicating the value of Christian knowledge and skill, and the work of the renewed memory as the treasure-house of the renewed heart. Experience is made up of knowledge, of things found out and learned; memory, storing them up for after use in time of need; and skill, in the choice of the best and most useful lessons, with power to make the best use of them in every season of test and trial."[2]
Captain Experience
Mr. Experience is made Captain Experience.[3]
"Here is the experience of the soul enlarged and made more honorable. This principle is educated and brought up under the tuition of Faith, in the school of test and trial—'Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience;' and having endured hardness, and proved itself a good soldier, it is now promoted to the chief rank in the soul.
The Experience of the man of God, the good soldier of the cross, counts for something in the estimation of God. To the soul experience is indispensable; it is the knowledge, and, as such, the guide of the soul—the knowledge of God, in Christ, through the Spirit; the knowledge of God’s dealings with the soul, and of the soul’s dealings with itself, and of Satan’s manifold temptations; the ups and downs, the reverses and successes, of the long continued strife, and all the diversified phases of the battle of the warrior. And as Faith marches on, and fights the good fight, Experience is enlarging, increasing, ripening, maturing, and thus becoming more and more useful to the Christian soldier; and in proportion to its use and increase, it is honorable and honored in God’s sight, and receives fresh tokens of his favor and approval."[2]
"Here is the experience of the soul enlarged and made more honorable. This principle is educated and brought up under the tuition of Faith, in the school of test and trial—'Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience;' and having endured hardness, and proved itself a good soldier, it is now promoted to the chief rank in the soul.
The Experience of the man of God, the good soldier of the cross, counts for something in the estimation of God. To the soul experience is indispensable; it is the knowledge, and, as such, the guide of the soul—the knowledge of God, in Christ, through the Spirit; the knowledge of God’s dealings with the soul, and of the soul’s dealings with itself, and of Satan’s manifold temptations; the ups and downs, the reverses and successes, of the long continued strife, and all the diversified phases of the battle of the warrior. And as Faith marches on, and fights the good fight, Experience is enlarging, increasing, ripening, maturing, and thus becoming more and more useful to the Christian soldier; and in proportion to its use and increase, it is honorable and honored in God’s sight, and receives fresh tokens of his favor and approval."[2]
Mr. Haughty
"HAUGHTY is the name by which the spirit of carnal pride is indicated—the 'heady, high-minded' spirit of the soul, that will not bend its neck to the yoke of Christ, or yield itself to the obedience of Christ. This is the alleged “manliness” of unbelief, the vaunted “spirit” of scepticism, that makes a scoff at all religion, and speaks contemptuously of those who walk in religion’s ways. To brave the threatenings of God, and brazen out the protests of his law; to mouth the heavens, and charge God foolishly; to vaunt a boasted valiancy, and flaunt a defiant flag—these seem to be the sum and substance of this “brave man’s” doings. He has never descended to the well-watered level of the valley of humility, where goodly fruits and flowers are found, but has climbed the sides of the barren rock, and sought the eminence of the mountain height, the region of perpetual frost and of everlasting snow. He has ventured high; his fall shall be deep:—'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall,' Proverbs 16:18."[2]
Mr. Pitiless
"PITILESS is that character of the carnal mind that is devoid of feeling and compassion for the soul in its degraded and desolate condition. It would make the best of its worst estate, and, rather than the soul should sink into sorrow and melancholy for its sin, would administer false joy, false hope, and false peace. Sorrow might lead the soul to repentance, and therefore the spirit of Diabolus enters in to soothe and cheer it, though in the midst of danger and death."[2]
Mr. False-Peace
"FALSE-PEACE is the voice that whispers peace, peace, where there is no peace! This is the false principle that lulls so many souls to rest, and sings their lullaby while tempests roar. It whispered false-peace to Sodom; it rocked the guilty prophet to sleep, while fleeing from the command of God; and in the very midst of the war with Mansoul, False-peace was ever busied about his master’s Diabolonian business. “What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” 2 Kings 9:22.
False-Peace is the self-deception of the soul, the traitor within the camp—“A deceived heart hath turned him aside.” Sin is set forth under the garb of righteousness, and vice under the name of virtue. It needs, indeed, the examination and cross-examination of the heart to draw forth this element from its disguise, and to declare its true nature before all men. It needs both the indefatigable diligence of SEARCH-TRUTH, and the unerring witness of VOUCH-TRUTH, to know and to discover the treacherous character of FALSE-PEACE. It is, verily, Satan clothing himself as an angel of light, deceiving, if it were possible, the very elect of God."[2]
False-Peace is the self-deception of the soul, the traitor within the camp—“A deceived heart hath turned him aside.” Sin is set forth under the garb of righteousness, and vice under the name of virtue. It needs, indeed, the examination and cross-examination of the heart to draw forth this element from its disguise, and to declare its true nature before all men. It needs both the indefatigable diligence of SEARCH-TRUTH, and the unerring witness of VOUCH-TRUTH, to know and to discover the treacherous character of FALSE-PEACE. It is, verily, Satan clothing himself as an angel of light, deceiving, if it were possible, the very elect of God."[2]
Mr. Hard-Heart
"HARD-HEART is, of a truth, a Diabolonian principle. It knows not what remorse or sorrow is; it feels nothing; no impulse pierces through this hard iron breast-plate. Others may weep, but Hard-Heart never weeps; others may feel, but Hard-Heart can not sympathize with any. Of such a one it may be said—'His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone,' Job 41:24."[2]
Streets mentioned in the Diabolonian trial
Streets mentioned in the Diabolonian trial:
1. Villain's Lane - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
2. Blackmouth Lane - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
3. Blasphemer's Row - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
4. Drunkard's Row - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
5. Rascal-Lane's End - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
6. Flesh Street - where Mr. Lustings was born.
7. All-Base Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
8. Flesh Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
9. Nauseous Street - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
10. Filth Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
11. Folly-Yard - where Mr. Simple lives and where one of False-Peace's crimes was witnessed.
[3]
1. Villain's Lane - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
2. Blackmouth Lane - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
3. Blasphemer's Row - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
4. Drunkard's Row - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
5. Rascal-Lane's End - where one of Mr. Atheism's crimes was witnessed.
6. Flesh Street - where Mr. Lustings was born.
7. All-Base Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
8. Flesh Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
9. Nauseous Street - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
10. Filth Lane - where one of Forget-Good's crimes was witnessed.
11. Folly-Yard - where Mr. Simple lives and where one of False-Peace's crimes was witnessed.
[3]
Jury to try the Diabolonians
The people of the jury to try the Diabolonians:
1. Mr. Belief
2. Mr. True-Heart
3. Mr. Upright
4. Mr. Hate-Bad
5. Mr. Love-Good
6. Mr. See-Truth
7. Mr. Heavenly-Mind
8. Mr. Moderate
9. Mr. Thankful
10. Mr. Good-Work
11. Mr. Zeal-for-God
12. Mr. Humble
[3]
1. Mr. Belief
2. Mr. True-Heart
3. Mr. Upright
4. Mr. Hate-Bad
5. Mr. Love-Good
6. Mr. See-Truth
7. Mr. Heavenly-Mind
8. Mr. Moderate
9. Mr. Thankful
10. Mr. Good-Work
11. Mr. Zeal-for-God
12. Mr. Humble
[3]
Atheism
A Diabolonian prisoner.[3]
"ATHEISM is first arraigned—the principle of Unbelief that dwells in man by reason of his carnal nature. It does not mean the spirit of Atheism embodied in a form, or wrought into a system of Infidelity, but rather that practical unconcern evinced by so many in the matter of religion, and of relationship to God."[2]
"ATHEISM is first arraigned—the principle of Unbelief that dwells in man by reason of his carnal nature. It does not mean the spirit of Atheism embodied in a form, or wrought into a system of Infidelity, but rather that practical unconcern evinced by so many in the matter of religion, and of relationship to God."[2]
Mr. Hate-Lies
One of the three witnesses in the Diabolonian trial.[3]
"HATE-LIES binding the witness to state nothing that is false—'nothing but the truth.'"[2]
"HATE-LIES binding the witness to state nothing that is false—'nothing but the truth.'"[2]
Mr. Tell-True
One of the three witnesses in the Diabolonian trial.[3]
"TELL-TRUE including all the facts—'the whole truth.'"[2]
"TELL-TRUE including all the facts—'the whole truth.'"[2]
Mr. Know-All
One of the three witnesses in the Diabolonian trial.[3]
"KNOW-ALL indicating the facts of the case."[2]
"KNOW-ALL indicating the facts of the case."[2]
Witnesses in the Diabolonian Trial
The witnesses in the Diabolonian trial:
1. Mr. Know-All
2. Mr. Tell-True
3. Mr. Hate-Lies
4. Search-Truth
5. Vouch-Truth
[3]
1. Mr. Know-All
2. Mr. Tell-True
3. Mr. Hate-Lies
4. Search-Truth
5. Vouch-Truth
[3]
Mr. Knowledge
The new Recorder of Immanuel's Mansoul.[3]
"KNOWLEDGE becomes Recorder—another and higher office being reserved for CONSCIENCE. Knowledge is now to be the soul’s remembrancer—“This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent,” John 17:3. He that walks in the light of this knowledge need never go astray."[2]
"KNOWLEDGE becomes Recorder—another and higher office being reserved for CONSCIENCE. Knowledge is now to be the soul’s remembrancer—“This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent,” John 17:3. He that walks in the light of this knowledge need never go astray."[2]
Mr. True-Man
The jailer of the captured Diabolonians.[3]
"The soul is now represented as dealing thoroughly with the evil and corrupt nature. Bonds and imprisonment await the lusts, and passions, and corruptions of the 'old man.' Truth, under the name of TRUE-MAN, holds watch and ward over these elements of the carnal mind, bringing the soul into subjection to the law of Christ."[2]
"The soul is now represented as dealing thoroughly with the evil and corrupt nature. Bonds and imprisonment await the lusts, and passions, and corruptions of the 'old man.' Truth, under the name of TRUE-MAN, holds watch and ward over these elements of the carnal mind, bringing the soul into subjection to the law of Christ."[2]
Mr. Recorder
Boanerges and Conviction quartered with Mr. Recorder.[3]
"BOANERGES and CONVICTION in the conscience—to arouse the soul, and keep it awake."[2]
"BOANERGES and CONVICTION in the conscience—to arouse the soul, and keep it awake."[2]
Lord Will-be-will
Captain Judgement and Captain Execution quartered at Lord Will-be-will's.[3]
"JUDGMENT and EXECUTION in charge over the will—to correct the desires, and to discipline the man."[2]
"JUDGMENT and EXECUTION in charge over the will—to correct the desires, and to discipline the man."[2]
Lord Mayor
Captain Good-Hope quartered at Lord Mayor's.[3]
"HOPE in the region of the understanding—to enlighten and encourage."[2]
"HOPE in the region of the understanding—to enlighten and encourage."[2]
Mr. Affection
Captain Charity quartered at Mr. Affection's.[3]
"CHARITY in the affectional and emotional part—the place of feeling and sensation."[2]
"CHARITY in the affectional and emotional part—the place of feeling and sensation."[2]
Mr. Mind
Captain Patience quartered at Mr. Mind's.[3]
"PATIENCE in the mental part—the principle of intelligence."[2]
"PATIENCE in the mental part—the principle of intelligence."[2]
Mr. Reasons
Captain Innocency quartered at Mr. Reason's.[3]
"INNOCENCE in the reasoning part—the place of intention and forethought."[2]
"INNOCENCE in the reasoning part—the place of intention and forethought."[2]
Mr. Wet-Eyes
He delivered the third petition, with Mr. Desires-Awake, from conquered Mansoul to Immanuel.[3]
"In these delineations of “the spirit of prayer,” Bunyan displays a marvelous insight into the spirit of man, in his progressive stages of alarm, conviction, and repentance. Here is a beautiful and striking description of the soul in an advanced state of spiritual awakening. Poor in spirit, humbled in the dust, suffused with tears, wholly distrustful of self, and yet able to “speak well to a petition;” crying for mercy, life, pardon, and peace."[2]
"In these delineations of “the spirit of prayer,” Bunyan displays a marvelous insight into the spirit of man, in his progressive stages of alarm, conviction, and repentance. Here is a beautiful and striking description of the soul in an advanced state of spiritual awakening. Poor in spirit, humbled in the dust, suffused with tears, wholly distrustful of self, and yet able to “speak well to a petition;” crying for mercy, life, pardon, and peace."[2]
Mr. Would-Live
He delivered the first petition of mercy from conquered Mansoul to Immanuel.[3]
"Now Mansoul prays; and the spirit of the prayer is indicated by the name of the messenger that bears the petition—Mr. WOULD-LIVE. This is the lowermost grade of prayerful motive. It simply seeks for life, and asks that judgment maybe stayed. It is the first message of convinced and awakened souls—'Spare us, good Lord!' Even the ungodly would rather live than die. To this petition no answer is returned; it is received, but in silence; and all is fear in Mansoul."[2]
"Now Mansoul prays; and the spirit of the prayer is indicated by the name of the messenger that bears the petition—Mr. WOULD-LIVE. This is the lowermost grade of prayerful motive. It simply seeks for life, and asks that judgment maybe stayed. It is the first message of convinced and awakened souls—'Spare us, good Lord!' Even the ungodly would rather live than die. To this petition no answer is returned; it is received, but in silence; and all is fear in Mansoul."[2]
Mr. Good-Deed
He was passed over to deliver the third petition of mercy from conquered Mansoul to Immanuel.[3]
"Ultimate success depends upon the spirit in which this prayer shall be presented; and ill-success had well nigh attended it, owing to the proposition to send the petition by one whose name was GOOD-DEED. This is designed to represent the soul resting upon its own merit and self-sufficiency, and in this spirit presenting itself as a suppliant. Well was it for the soul that this proposition was rejected; for when the sinner seeks for mercy, “boasting is excluded,” Romans 3:27."[2]
"Ultimate success depends upon the spirit in which this prayer shall be presented; and ill-success had well nigh attended it, owing to the proposition to send the petition by one whose name was GOOD-DEED. This is designed to represent the soul resting upon its own merit and self-sufficiency, and in this spirit presenting itself as a suppliant. Well was it for the soul that this proposition was rejected; for when the sinner seeks for mercy, “boasting is excluded,” Romans 3:27."[2]
Mr. Desires-Awake
He delivered the second petition of mercy from conquered Mansoul to Immanuel.[3]
"This is a higher grade of spiritual experience. The soul is now conscious of its deep slumber, wrapped in the coverlet of night and darkness. It is high time to awake out of sleep; and it now desires to awake. Here is a picture worthy of a pencil dipped in living light: the prostrate messenger—no pride, but all abasement, in lowly reverence before the throne. This is the penitential spirit of prayer that moves IMMANUEL; and accordingly, touched by the prayer of the penitent, prostrate, and humbled soul, 'Jesus wept,' and gives the promise that 'he will consider of the request.'"[2]
"This is a higher grade of spiritual experience. The soul is now conscious of its deep slumber, wrapped in the coverlet of night and darkness. It is high time to awake out of sleep; and it now desires to awake. Here is a picture worthy of a pencil dipped in living light: the prostrate messenger—no pride, but all abasement, in lowly reverence before the throne. This is the penitential spirit of prayer that moves IMMANUEL; and accordingly, touched by the prayer of the penitent, prostrate, and humbled soul, 'Jesus wept,' and gives the promise that 'he will consider of the request.'"[2]
Mr. Loth-to-Stoop
"Mr. LOTH-TO-STOOP. This is not prayer, but presumption; nor does it emanate from the soul, but from Satan. The name of the messenger indicates the spirit that prompts the overture, even the pride of the carnal nature, which will not stoop to the yoke of Jesus, or submit itself to the sovereignty of the rightful King."[2]
Black Flag
"The Black Flag.—And now the “three burning bolts” are exposed to view. But Mansoul takes no heed to the calls of either Mercy, Judgment, or Execution. And yet IMMANUEL hesitates to fulfill the demands of Justice. The thunder-bolt is balanced, but it is not launched. Mercy still holds back the red hand of Judgment, and still entreats the town—“Be ye reconciled to God.” But in vain; for Mansoul answers with a refusal of surrender."[2]
Red Flag
"The Red Flag.—So now the Red Flag of judgment is unfurled from Mount Justice. Yet even by this terrible sight they were unmoved. Even the sight of the “three golden doves” had not sufficed to win them; and now the sight of the “burning fiery furnace” does not terrify them. They heeded not this sign."[2]
White Flag
"The White Flag.—And now commence the dispensations of God in his dealings with the soul. He begins with Mercy. Justice makes the first demands; but Mercy makes the first advance. Man is advertised, by the White Flag, that IMMANUEL is even yet minded to deliver the soul, if the soul will but be delivered. If this offer be accepted, all is well; but if it be rejected, it will but increase the sinner’s condemnation."[2]
Mount Hearken
A bulwark intent on breaking through Ear-Gate, for Immanuel's offensive attack on Mansoul.[3]
Captain Patience
"Captain PATIENCE is that spirit of the Master, that is long-suffering of evil and patient in tribulation. However dark or black the prospect (the black colors), the true Christian will be enduring of the strife and patient of the conflict. This is just such a Captain as would be worthy of so hard-fought a battlefield."[2]
Captain Innocent
"Captain INNOCENT represents a further characteristic of Christ and of his people. “Harmless as doves” is part of the Christian character, as indicated on the escutcheon and virgin-white colors of this brave Captain."[2]
Captain Charity
"Captain CHARITY, whose colors are green as the springing grass, indicating that holy and abiding Love—to God and man—which causes the fruits of faith to abound in all good works, clasping the otherwise naked and defenseless orphans to its genial and loving bosom.
Thus are the three Graces of the Gospel—Faith, Hope, and Charity—here represented as the three mighty Captains of IMMANUEL’S army, with ten thousand men (that is, good thoughts, good hopes, good words, good works) at their command."[2]
Thus are the three Graces of the Gospel—Faith, Hope, and Charity—here represented as the three mighty Captains of IMMANUEL’S army, with ten thousand men (that is, good thoughts, good hopes, good words, good works) at their command."[2]
Captain Good-Hope
"Captain GOOD-HOPE, whose colors are clear as the blue sky, and studded with the brilliant stars of expectation. Though it may be dark, yet there is evidence of sunshine somewhere beyond; and this Hope is 'the anchor of the soul.' "[2]
Captain Credence
"Captain CREDENCE (of whom more by-and-by). He and his attendants represent Faith, as opposed to INCREDULITY, who reigns within; and this believing Faith is supported by the Promises, all of which are guaranteed by blood (the red colors)—the blood of the “Holy Lamb;” and protected by the golden shield—”the shield of Faith.” Without Faith Christ cannot be received into the soul."[2]
Five Brave Captains of Immanuel
" 'The Captain of our salvation' now sets forth, but not alone. He comes with ten thousands at his feet, and with his five brave Captains. This expedition is suggestive in all its parts, and includes, within the compass of the description, the whole plan of salvation as revealed and wrought out in Christ."[2]
Mr. Love-to-Mansoul
"Mr. Love-to-Mansoul.—The petition is Prayer; and the person who bears the petition indicates the spirit of prayer. Here the prayer is winged on the arrow of Love—love to the soul of the sinner. Thus borne to heaven, it soon reaches its destination, and falls into the hands of the King’s own Son, IMMANUEL."[2]
Introduction
Introduction by Rev. Robert Maguire, D. D.
In the HOLY WAR we have one of the choicest of the Allegorical Works of the immortal BUNYAN. Compared with his PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, it is an Allegory of quite a different style and character, presenting another phase of the soul's experience. Bunyan's HOLY WAR, in fact, may properly be called “A History of the Human Soul.”
In this respect, the present Allegory differs from the former work of “the Glorious Dreamer:” the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS dealt with the external circumstances of the Christian Pilgrimage, as they were helpful to, or obstructive of the spiritual life; and thence proceeded to the inner experiences of the Christian. The HOLY WAR deals with the inward struggles of the soul, and thence proceeds to the outer consequences, as they affect the peace and happiness of man. The PILGRIM'S PROGRESS describes the enemies from without, affecting the soul within; while the HOLY WAR describes the enemies from within, affecting the whole life and fortune of the man.
For these reasons many have regarded the Allegory of the HOLY WAR as a more spiritual work than even the PILGRIM’S PROGRESS; and, perhaps, on this account it has been less appreciated by the general public. This instructive Allegory is a dissector of the heart, in the spiritual anatomy of the soul. It is a spiritual mirror, setting forth what man was, whose servant he has become, what wars and fightings, what struggles and conflicts must be waged and utterly fought out, before Christ is again enthroned, and Mansoul Lost can sing the new song, worthy of Mansoul Regained.
The two great ideas that prevail throughout the work are those of Mansoul Lost and Mansoul Recovered; reminding us of Milton’s two great Works—“Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained.” The first allusion to the town of Mansoul refers to the soul of man in general, in the abstract—that essence, called the soul, man’s being, on which God’s image and superscription once reposed. It was God’s workmanship; and, like all God’s works, it was pronounced “very good.” It was, of all created things, the nearest in resemblance, and the dearest in affection, to God himself: “in the image of God created he man.” The soul was made to be God’s dwelling-place, the habitation of his seat. The citadel of Mansoul is the heart; the walls, the body or the flesh; and the gates, the five senses—hence their suggestive names. The inhabitants of the town are the understanding, the conscience, the will, the hopes, the joys, the thoughts—the thousand thoughts that crowd within the soul; these are the men, the women, and the children of the town, conceived, and brought forth, fostered, and thus growing into deeds for good or for evil. This palace of the King fell into the designing hands of Satan (DIABOLUS) and his captains; illustrating the words of the wise man—that sad compendium of all human history—“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
This sad extremity of fallen Mansoul is accepted as God’s glorious opportunity. This breach of the holy covenant between God and man at once engages the Son of God in the interest of his fallen creature. IMMANUEL now covenants with his Father that he will himself reclaim the soul to the sovereignty of God; and this he accomplishes by his death and sacrifice, and the subsequent dealings and operations of his Spirit.
But, meanwhile, Satan has set up his throne in Mansoul, and established a new government there. The usurper must be dislodged. Accordingly the struggle begins (and here the Allegory descends to particulars—to your soul or mine). The soul is re-taken by Christ; but there are still the lurking Diabolonians, the seed of the evil heart, the residue of the tares, the remnant of the “old man” and the corrupt nature. These ofttimes cause spiritual damage to the soul; they grieve the Holy Spirit; and sometimes drive Christ away from the occupancy of the throne. Satan soon enters, and must again be dislodged. These alternating fortunes of the great fight of faith are the phases of our own spiritual life, leaving us either nearer to Christ or farther from him than before.
Such is the nature of this inimitable work—THE HOLY WAR. We would bespeak the attention of the godly and the ungodly, the free child of God and the bond-servant of Satan, the weak believer and the trembling, doubting Christian, to this marvelous exposition of the “battle of the warrior!”
In the HOLY WAR we have one of the choicest of the Allegorical Works of the immortal BUNYAN. Compared with his PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, it is an Allegory of quite a different style and character, presenting another phase of the soul's experience. Bunyan's HOLY WAR, in fact, may properly be called “A History of the Human Soul.”
In this respect, the present Allegory differs from the former work of “the Glorious Dreamer:” the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS dealt with the external circumstances of the Christian Pilgrimage, as they were helpful to, or obstructive of the spiritual life; and thence proceeded to the inner experiences of the Christian. The HOLY WAR deals with the inward struggles of the soul, and thence proceeds to the outer consequences, as they affect the peace and happiness of man. The PILGRIM'S PROGRESS describes the enemies from without, affecting the soul within; while the HOLY WAR describes the enemies from within, affecting the whole life and fortune of the man.
For these reasons many have regarded the Allegory of the HOLY WAR as a more spiritual work than even the PILGRIM’S PROGRESS; and, perhaps, on this account it has been less appreciated by the general public. This instructive Allegory is a dissector of the heart, in the spiritual anatomy of the soul. It is a spiritual mirror, setting forth what man was, whose servant he has become, what wars and fightings, what struggles and conflicts must be waged and utterly fought out, before Christ is again enthroned, and Mansoul Lost can sing the new song, worthy of Mansoul Regained.
The two great ideas that prevail throughout the work are those of Mansoul Lost and Mansoul Recovered; reminding us of Milton’s two great Works—“Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained.” The first allusion to the town of Mansoul refers to the soul of man in general, in the abstract—that essence, called the soul, man’s being, on which God’s image and superscription once reposed. It was God’s workmanship; and, like all God’s works, it was pronounced “very good.” It was, of all created things, the nearest in resemblance, and the dearest in affection, to God himself: “in the image of God created he man.” The soul was made to be God’s dwelling-place, the habitation of his seat. The citadel of Mansoul is the heart; the walls, the body or the flesh; and the gates, the five senses—hence their suggestive names. The inhabitants of the town are the understanding, the conscience, the will, the hopes, the joys, the thoughts—the thousand thoughts that crowd within the soul; these are the men, the women, and the children of the town, conceived, and brought forth, fostered, and thus growing into deeds for good or for evil. This palace of the King fell into the designing hands of Satan (DIABOLUS) and his captains; illustrating the words of the wise man—that sad compendium of all human history—“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
This sad extremity of fallen Mansoul is accepted as God’s glorious opportunity. This breach of the holy covenant between God and man at once engages the Son of God in the interest of his fallen creature. IMMANUEL now covenants with his Father that he will himself reclaim the soul to the sovereignty of God; and this he accomplishes by his death and sacrifice, and the subsequent dealings and operations of his Spirit.
But, meanwhile, Satan has set up his throne in Mansoul, and established a new government there. The usurper must be dislodged. Accordingly the struggle begins (and here the Allegory descends to particulars—to your soul or mine). The soul is re-taken by Christ; but there are still the lurking Diabolonians, the seed of the evil heart, the residue of the tares, the remnant of the “old man” and the corrupt nature. These ofttimes cause spiritual damage to the soul; they grieve the Holy Spirit; and sometimes drive Christ away from the occupancy of the throne. Satan soon enters, and must again be dislodged. These alternating fortunes of the great fight of faith are the phases of our own spiritual life, leaving us either nearer to Christ or farther from him than before.
Such is the nature of this inimitable work—THE HOLY WAR. We would bespeak the attention of the godly and the ungodly, the free child of God and the bond-servant of Satan, the weak believer and the trembling, doubting Christian, to this marvelous exposition of the “battle of the warrior!”
Captain Anything
"Captain ANYTHING still survives, to capture fresh prisoners and to conduct new recruits to battle. Under the standard of “indifferentism” more souls are lost than, perhaps, under the more definite systematic forms of error.
When the soul, fighting the good fight, gains the upper hand, the hidden things of darkness are more and more brought to light, and put to open shame. The spirit of indifference, for example, is one of the first to be thus dealt with, as involving serious danger to the soul. Religion is a definite, decisive thing, and cannot consist with a careless, reckless, indifferent tone of mind. It generally happens that any religion means no religion. The soul that has been much and deeply exercised in doubt, and has resisted and fought against it, and overcome it, Will all the more highly prize the truth when it has ascertained it, and will scarcely be disposed to entertain that spirit of indolent indifference that sees and makes no distinction between truth and error. Hence, with the disciplined soul, MR. ANYTHING finds no place."[2]
When the soul, fighting the good fight, gains the upper hand, the hidden things of darkness are more and more brought to light, and put to open shame. The spirit of indifference, for example, is one of the first to be thus dealt with, as involving serious danger to the soul. Religion is a definite, decisive thing, and cannot consist with a careless, reckless, indifferent tone of mind. It generally happens that any religion means no religion. The soul that has been much and deeply exercised in doubt, and has resisted and fought against it, and overcome it, Will all the more highly prize the truth when it has ascertained it, and will scarcely be disposed to entertain that spirit of indolent indifference that sees and makes no distinction between truth and error. Hence, with the disciplined soul, MR. ANYTHING finds no place."[2]
Mr. Man's-Invention
"Mr. MAN’S-INVENTION.—The inventive capacity of man was once for the promotion of being engaged in the service of God. But this principle also became a coward, and was taken prisoner. “God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions,” Ecclesiastes 7:29. It is man’s invention that has brought forth false doctrine, false worship, and errors in faith and practice."[2]
Mr. Human-Wisdom
"Mr. HUMAN-WISDOM.—Once man was wise; and in that day his wisdom was his protection. And Human Wisdom might have continued as a defense of Divine truth upon the earth. Yet this, too, did soon fall into the rear; and, having been taken prisoner, has ever since been under the hand of Satan. The Apostle said in his day, that “the world by wisdom knew not God;” and that “not many wise men after the flesh” had God called. Yea, and even in the present day of light and knowledge, do we not too often find human wisdom and earthly science engaged in the service of Satan, and, through the cunning device of the devil, turned against the truth?"[2]
Mr. Tradition
"Mr. TRADITION.—There is no absolute necessity that Tradition should serve the purposes of Satan. “Tradition” means “handing down;” and surely its office might be exercised in the transmission of that which is good. Indeed, Tradition was first employed in this service. Once there was no written Word; for many centuries the truth was indebted to Tradition for handing down the Word of God from generation to generation. But soon did Tradition fall into the rear, and by and by it was taken prisoner by Satan, and pressed into his service; so that, in the day of Christ, men did 'make void the law of God through their tradition.'"[2]
Three Young Fellows
"Three young fellows.—This introduces an incident of the War. These three young men at first enlisted into the King’s army, but were one day taken prisoners. At the suggestion of Satan they changed sides, and thenceforward served in the army of DIABOLUS. These three men represent three earthly principles, which, according to circumstances, are prepared to serve either master."[2]
Mr. Puff-up
The man who worked the the Diabolonian foundry and made the guns of High-mind and Heady.[3]
Two Great Guns
"HIGH-MIND and HEADY.—Human pride is one of the most prominent of the elements of opposition to God’s designs of mercy. It stands in the way of Divine grace; it owns no need; it acknowledges no sin; it sees no necessity for salvation. Pride resists the overtures of God’s grace, and rejects the offers of the Gospel."[2]
Lord Incredulity
The second Diabolonian Mayor, after Lord Lustings.[3]
"Once the spirit of defense and of defiance of the soul—openly avows his hatred of the King, and his still unaltered and unalterable determination to serve DIABOLUS, his master. So long as this principle remains, it continues to be a spiritual hindrance to the soul. Unbelief does not yield obedience to Christ, and will not change or reform its nature. It is well, therefore, it should be destroyed.
Incredulity is the spirit of direct antagonism against the law of God; and to the last it chooses to serve Satan, and to abide under the standard of the Evil One. Incredulity seeks to gain dominion over the mind’s of men, sometimes inducing them to imagine that it is a manly thing to doubt and disbelieve. This spirit in man is a chief agent of Satan; and how essential it is to the continuance of his dominion here, will appear by and by. Meanwhile, Incredulity lacks not words of bold and brazen confidence, to justify its measure of evil influence over the human mind."[2]
"Once the spirit of defense and of defiance of the soul—openly avows his hatred of the King, and his still unaltered and unalterable determination to serve DIABOLUS, his master. So long as this principle remains, it continues to be a spiritual hindrance to the soul. Unbelief does not yield obedience to Christ, and will not change or reform its nature. It is well, therefore, it should be destroyed.
Incredulity is the spirit of direct antagonism against the law of God; and to the last it chooses to serve Satan, and to abide under the standard of the Evil One. Incredulity seeks to gain dominion over the mind’s of men, sometimes inducing them to imagine that it is a manly thing to doubt and disbelieve. This spirit in man is a chief agent of Satan; and how essential it is to the continuance of his dominion here, will appear by and by. Meanwhile, Incredulity lacks not words of bold and brazen confidence, to justify its measure of evil influence over the human mind."[2]
Old Mr. Prejudice
"One precaution, however, was taken; and this forms one of the most ingenious of the many able pictures described by Bunyan’s pen—Old Mr. PREJUDICE is set for the defense of Ear-gate, with an army of Deaf-men! What a splendid stroke of the great master-mind is this! There is no such effective sentinel of the hearing sense, as Prejudice. It closes many an ear; it occupies many a heart; it checks many an inquiry; it slays many a soul. With Prejudice and his deaf-men, Satan will keep watch and ward for yet many a day, forbidding access to the words of life; and, knowing that “faith cometh by hearing,” he will carefully guard and bolt and double-lock the door of Ear-gate against the sound of the Gospel of Christ."[2]
Take-heed-what-you-hear
"This is the name of BOANERGES’ trumpeter. The name he bears, the office he wields, and the treatment he received, all combine to teach an instructive lesson. Thrice was this officer sent forth to summon the town; twice did he blow his blast, but there was none to answer. Yet a third time, and the sound is heard, but is answered by proud and angry words."[2]
Captain Execution
"EXECUTION, with his Ensign, Mr. JUSTICE, bearing also the “red colors,” with the escutcheon of the “fruitless tree, and the axe lying at its root,” represents the words of judgment as being no vain or idle words; the thunder of the law not innocent and harmless, as are summer peals. Here are the stern words of Justice, which has been wronged, and means to be avenged. Here are the demands of the drawn Sword, that thirsts for blood, and will not be sheathed until it shall be satisfied."[2]
Captain Judgment
"JUDGMENT, with his Ensign, Mr. TERROR, bearing the “red colors,” with the escutcheon of the “burning fiery furnace,” represents the soul self-convicted, self-condemned, in view of the sentence of the law. It was in view of something such as this that Israel did exceedingly fear and quake before the Mount. The “colors” of this dread Captain are “red” with blood—the blood of the slain. Therefore, when Paul reasoned of this “judgment,” Felix trembled."[2]
Captain Conviction
"CONVICTION, with his Ensign, Mr. SORROW, bearing the “pale colors,” with the escutcheon of the “open Book of the Law,” whence issued a flame of fire, represents the law of God, wide open to the gaze, extended to the view; written within and without, and making no secret of its terrors. And with Conviction comes Sorrow—deep, heartfelt compunction, pale with terror—an horrible dread hath whelmed him."[2]
Captain Boanerges
"BOANERGES, with his Ensign, Mr. THUNDER, bearing the “black colors,” with the escutcheon of the “three burning bolts,” represents an awakening ministry, that speaks not words of peace, but words of warning; able to “reprove, rebuke, exhort;” and, knowing the terrors of the Lord, to 'persuade men.'"[2]
Four Captains of Shaddai
"The Captains of SHADDAI’S army represent the ministers of God’s word and will, the preliminary dispensations of God’s covenant, the earlier efforts of Jehovah to win back the Soul of man. First, is the preaching of the Word; this is followed up by the convictions of the soul; these neglected, the next step is the delivery of judgment and sentence; and after this, if the soul be still impenitent, is the execution of the sentence.
These Captains are described as being “stout and rough-hewn men;” and so they had need to be—“sons of thunder,” laying bare the heart, and by the rough handling of the conscience making themselves felt. Strong, indeed, must be the assault that is to break down the strongholds of Satan; loud as thunder the voice that is to open Ear-gate; bold and demonstrative the array that is to command the attention of Eye-gate; strict, severe, and searching the ministry that is to break open the walls and gates of the Soul against the purpose of the Will, and enter the very Castle of the Heart, and take the whole man captive to IMMANUEL. And, as is the nature and character of the captains, so are the associations of their office and command."[2]
These Captains are described as being “stout and rough-hewn men;” and so they had need to be—“sons of thunder,” laying bare the heart, and by the rough handling of the conscience making themselves felt. Strong, indeed, must be the assault that is to break down the strongholds of Satan; loud as thunder the voice that is to open Ear-gate; bold and demonstrative the array that is to command the attention of Eye-gate; strict, severe, and searching the ministry that is to break open the walls and gates of the Soul against the purpose of the Will, and enter the very Castle of the Heart, and take the whole man captive to IMMANUEL. And, as is the nature and character of the captains, so are the associations of their office and command."[2]
Diabolonian Armor
"1. Helmet of False Peace—This helmet, so long as it is worn, cannot be pierced. The arrows of the mighty may graze it, but they cannot enter. It defends the head in the day of battle, but will not defend it in the day of final rout, when, hurled headlong, its very weight will increase the velocity of the flight, and aggravate the depth of the fall of lost and ruined souls.
2. Iron Breastplate—iron forged in the blazing furnace of the pit, and on the sounding anvil of destruction. This is the hard heart of the impenitent sinner—the deadness of the soul, insensibility of conscience, impervious to the influences of love or fear, of mercy or judgment.
3. Sword of a Fiery, Lying Tongue—The Christian’s sword is “the Word of God,” the word of truth; the sinner’s sword is the word of falsehood.
4.Shield of Unbelief—Faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked one; unbelief quenches the arrows of conviction...The spirit of unbelief in the carnal heart realizes not the power of God’s wrath, the greatness of his love, the completeness of his sacrifice, or the perfection of his holiness; and thus are the arrows of the mighty quenched.
5. A Dumb and Prayerless Spirit—This is the heart that never prays, the soul that never supplicates, the spirit that is too proud to bend the knee...—that spirit that encases the heart, and the sympathies of the heart, and the better feelings of the soul, within the granite rock of impenitency and unconcern; the spirit that is dumb before God, owns no wants, asks no blessings, and waits not upon God."[2]
2. Iron Breastplate—iron forged in the blazing furnace of the pit, and on the sounding anvil of destruction. This is the hard heart of the impenitent sinner—the deadness of the soul, insensibility of conscience, impervious to the influences of love or fear, of mercy or judgment.
3. Sword of a Fiery, Lying Tongue—The Christian’s sword is “the Word of God,” the word of truth; the sinner’s sword is the word of falsehood.
4.Shield of Unbelief—Faith quenches the fiery darts of the wicked one; unbelief quenches the arrows of conviction...The spirit of unbelief in the carnal heart realizes not the power of God’s wrath, the greatness of his love, the completeness of his sacrifice, or the perfection of his holiness; and thus are the arrows of the mighty quenched.
5. A Dumb and Prayerless Spirit—This is the heart that never prays, the soul that never supplicates, the spirit that is too proud to bend the knee...—that spirit that encases the heart, and the sympathies of the heart, and the better feelings of the soul, within the granite rock of impenitency and unconcern; the spirit that is dumb before God, owns no wants, asks no blessings, and waits not upon God."[2]
Lord Chief Secretary
"This signifies the Holy Spirit, whose office it is to reveal and make known to man the counsels of the God-head. Of that Spirit doth Christ speak when he saith—“He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you,” John 16:55. The Spirit makes known the terms of the covenant for the redemption of the world—that man has sinned, and must therefore pay the penalty pronounced against the sinner—the penalty of death."[2]
Immanuel
The Son of Shaddai.[3]
"He will come, and bear the sin, and endure the penalty, and satisfy the claims of justice, and pay the debt to its last demand. He will stand in the stead of Man; will bear the Father’s wrath, the full penalty of the curse; and by his death atone for sin."[2]
"He will come, and bear the sin, and endure the penalty, and satisfy the claims of justice, and pay the debt to its last demand. He will stand in the stead of Man; will bear the Father’s wrath, the full penalty of the curse; and by his death atone for sin."[2]
Burgesses and Alderman of Diabolus
Mr. Incredulity, Mr. Haughty, Mr. Swearing, Mr. Whoring, Mr. Heard-Heart, Mr. Pitiless, Mr. Fury, Mr. No-Truth, Mr. Stand-to Lies, Mr. False-Peace, Mr. Drunkenness, Mr. Cheating, Mr. Atheism.[3]
"The offices of state continued, though the former officers were removed. New ruling powers were promoted over Mansoul; their names indicating the strong contrariety between the new and the old. The authority that is set up in Mansoul is, not Mr. UNDERSTANDING, but a headless, eyeless, earless Body, all lust and passion, without reason or perception; brutish, carnal, and corruptible; “given over to a reprobate mind.” The once memory of the soul, the recorder of good, is now displaced; and forgetfulness of God, and of all good things, set up instead."[2]
"The offices of state continued, though the former officers were removed. New ruling powers were promoted over Mansoul; their names indicating the strong contrariety between the new and the old. The authority that is set up in Mansoul is, not Mr. UNDERSTANDING, but a headless, eyeless, earless Body, all lust and passion, without reason or perception; brutish, carnal, and corruptible; “given over to a reprobate mind.” The once memory of the soul, the recorder of good, is now displaced; and forgetfulness of God, and of all good things, set up instead."[2]
Mr. Forget-Good
"The Diabolonian Recorder—is the besetting sin of most men. It thinks and reflects on evil, and forgets the good—"
“The evil things it writes on stone,
The good it writes on water!”
"It catches at the straws that float upon the surface, and gives no heed to the weightier matters, and more abiding good, hidden beneath the waters of the stream. This spirit of forgetfulness lays up no store of good and holy thoughts, no treasures of a consecrated memory, no remembrance of the Holy Word. The soul is utterly empty and void of all supply for Christian meditation, contemplation, and waiting upon God."[2]
“The evil things it writes on stone,
The good it writes on water!”
"It catches at the straws that float upon the surface, and gives no heed to the weightier matters, and more abiding good, hidden beneath the waters of the stream. This spirit of forgetfulness lays up no store of good and holy thoughts, no treasures of a consecrated memory, no remembrance of the Holy Word. The soul is utterly empty and void of all supply for Christian meditation, contemplation, and waiting upon God."[2]
Mr. Lustings
The first Diabolonian Mayor.[3]
"LUSTINGS is the body of the flesh—the carnal instrument of so much loss and damage to the soul; it is the law in our members warring against the law of the mind. This evil spirit remains long after Satan has been cast out. It is the inner nature, still untamed. It must be searched out, examined, convicted, mortified, crucified, utterly slain—“the body of this death.” It is to the renewed man what the dead body would be when, as in olden times, bound to a living man—“Oh, wretched man, that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7: 24."[2]
"LUSTINGS is the body of the flesh—the carnal instrument of so much loss and damage to the soul; it is the law in our members warring against the law of the mind. This evil spirit remains long after Satan has been cast out. It is the inner nature, still untamed. It must be searched out, examined, convicted, mortified, crucified, utterly slain—“the body of this death.” It is to the renewed man what the dead body would be when, as in olden times, bound to a living man—“Oh, wretched man, that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7: 24."[2]
Mr. No-Truth
He defaced the image of Shaddai, and replaced it with an image of Diabolus.[3]
"NO-TRUTH is that principle of the reprobate mind that strives to banish God from even the thought of the heart. It was this element of the soul that destroyed the image and erased the superscription of SHADDAI from the gates, and set up the image of DIABOLUS. When this rabid form of sin lays hold upon the heart, it seeks to destroy every trace and vestige of even the remembrance of God. Well is it for the soul when it gains the mastery over this element of the carnal nature."[2]
"NO-TRUTH is that principle of the reprobate mind that strives to banish God from even the thought of the heart. It was this element of the soul that destroyed the image and erased the superscription of SHADDAI from the gates, and set up the image of DIABOLUS. When this rabid form of sin lays hold upon the heart, it seeks to destroy every trace and vestige of even the remembrance of God. Well is it for the soul when it gains the mastery over this element of the carnal nature."[2]
Carnal-Lust
The daughter of Mr. Mind and the wife of Mr. Affection. Their children were Imprudent, Blackmouth, Hate-Reproof, Scorn-Truth, Slight-God, and Revenge.[3]
Mr. Affection
"When the affections serve the carnal Will, they are perverted into vile affections. Under such direction, the emotions of the soul become the promptings of evil. Nor do they abide alone, but become prolific of a cursed progeny. When Affection is wedded to Lust, the offspring will be a Diabolonian brood, There is a parentage and pedigree of sin. Sins produce sins; grow out of sins; grow into sins. Sins group themselves into families, and intermarry and propagate their kind, and reproduce themselves a thousandfold. “When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death,” James 1:15."[2]
Mr. Mind the Clerk
"All the associations of the Will are consistent with its present depraved condition. The Mind is subject to the Will. As the Will dictates, so the Mind conceives and brings forth its thoughts, and develops them into deeds. The Will that is itself perverse will be sure to pervert the mind. Thus the joint action of the Will and the Mind in the service of Satan is for the uprooting of all holy principles, the casting away of the last small remnant of God’s word treasured up in the soul, the darkening of every gleam of light that dawns upon the understanding, and the violent resistance to the calls and admonitions of the conscience of man."[2]
Mr. Understanding
The Lord Mayor for Shadddai's Mansoul and Immanuel's Mansoul.[3]
"The Lord Mayor, Mr. Understanding.—The Understanding is the lord and umpire of the soul, holding the intellectual mastery over man. This power, having once a far-seeing eye, a quick perception, an understanding heart, and a lordly counsel, is now degraded, darkened, and imprisoned, “having the understanding darkened,” Ephesians 4:18."[2]
"The Lord Mayor, Mr. Understanding.—The Understanding is the lord and umpire of the soul, holding the intellectual mastery over man. This power, having once a far-seeing eye, a quick perception, an understanding heart, and a lordly counsel, is now degraded, darkened, and imprisoned, “having the understanding darkened,” Ephesians 4:18."[2]
Lord Mayor
Mr. Understanding is Shaddai's Lord Mayor.
Mr. Incredulity is the first Diabolonian Lord Mayor.
Mr. Lustings is the second Diabolonian Lord Mayor.
Mr. Understanding is again Lord Mayor for Immanuel's Mansoul.[3]
Mr. Incredulity is the first Diabolonian Lord Mayor.
Mr. Lustings is the second Diabolonian Lord Mayor.
Mr. Understanding is again Lord Mayor for Immanuel's Mansoul.[3]
Mr. Recorder
Mr. Conscience is the Recorder for Shaddai's Mansoul.[3]
"Mr. Recorder whose name was Mr. Conscience is the memory of the heart, the moral memory of man, the recorder of the soul. This ruling power of Mansoul, having consented to the entrance of DIABOLUS, must now reap as it hath sown. The Fall has more than doubled the work of Conscience; for it has now not only to remember the height of glory from whence it has fallen, but also to preserve the records of its present degradation. Conscience is the detector of the heart, the ready-reckoner of the soul. A man’s conscience is his very self; he may escape from others, but he can never escape from himself. Men would banish Conscience to a far-off land, but he cleaves all the more closely to them still; they would drown it in the deep, but only to find that many waters cannot quench it; they would intoxicate it with the wine-cup, but only to be bound again in stronger bondage; they would bury the dead out of their sight, but the dead past will not be buried, but ever rises again in a daily resurrection, washed up on the wave of thought, exhumed from the grave of forgetfulness, by the unresting power of this inward monitor. Conscience is the undying exercise of memory here, and will be the immortality of remembrance hereafter."[2]
"Mr. Recorder whose name was Mr. Conscience is the memory of the heart, the moral memory of man, the recorder of the soul. This ruling power of Mansoul, having consented to the entrance of DIABOLUS, must now reap as it hath sown. The Fall has more than doubled the work of Conscience; for it has now not only to remember the height of glory from whence it has fallen, but also to preserve the records of its present degradation. Conscience is the detector of the heart, the ready-reckoner of the soul. A man’s conscience is his very self; he may escape from others, but he can never escape from himself. Men would banish Conscience to a far-off land, but he cleaves all the more closely to them still; they would drown it in the deep, but only to find that many waters cannot quench it; they would intoxicate it with the wine-cup, but only to be bound again in stronger bondage; they would bury the dead out of their sight, but the dead past will not be buried, but ever rises again in a daily resurrection, washed up on the wave of thought, exhumed from the grave of forgetfulness, by the unresting power of this inward monitor. Conscience is the undying exercise of memory here, and will be the immortality of remembrance hereafter."[2]
Lord Will-Be-Will
"LORD WILL-BE-WILL signifies that power of the mind called the will, by which we determine for or against an action."[1]
"The Will of man has always been a high ruling power in Man soul. It once served under SHADDAI; it now is the viceroy of DIABOLUS. It is the Will of man that determines and decides. It was this headstrong, self-willed, obdurate power that first yielded to the assault of Satan, and opened the gates of the town. And now he scorns to be a slave, and must still bear rule in Mansoul."[2]
"The Will of man has always been a high ruling power in Man soul. It once served under SHADDAI; it now is the viceroy of DIABOLUS. It is the Will of man that determines and decides. It was this headstrong, self-willed, obdurate power that first yielded to the assault of Satan, and opened the gates of the town. And now he scorns to be a slave, and must still bear rule in Mansoul."[2]
Ear-gate
"This was the gate of audience, and through this gate the words of the tempter must penetrate, if the temptation is to be successful. Into the ears of our first mother did the wily serpent whisper the glozing words of his seductive wiles; and through Ear-gate he assailed her heart, and won it. To give audience to the tempter is the next step to yielding up obedience to his will."[2]
Lord Innocent
"One of the chiefest and most honorable townsmen. His sensitive soul was poisoned by the contact of the breath of the lost. Keep innocence secure, for it is easily offended and made weak; it is a delicate plant, that finds it hard to hold its own amid the pollution and defilement of this naughty world."[2]
Lord Ill-pause
"This man, the orator of DIABOLUS, is intended to represent halting and hesitation of the soul, while it stays to listen to the tempter. Satan has many mysterious angels who are ready to second their master’s temptations, and to commend his wily overtures."[2]
Captain Resistance
"Captain Resistance fell down dead quite over the wall. Resistance to the suggestions of Satan failed in our first mother. She parleyed with the temptation which she ought to have resisted and rejected with abhorrence. She paused: and it was an ill-pause. There was no occasion to pause or ponder on what the Devil had said, for he had given the lie to the God of truth. Whatever contradicts the word of God should be instantly resisted as diabolical."[1]
"Captain RESISTANCE falls. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you;” but if he once beats down the spirit of man’s resistance, he draws to close quarters, and soon attains the mastery."[2]
"Captain RESISTANCE falls. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you;” but if he once beats down the spirit of man’s resistance, he draws to close quarters, and soon attains the mastery."[2]
Council of War
"A Council of War.—Devils hold conclave, and speak their mind, as wrath, or hate, or wily policy dictates. Unable to climb to heaven again, and loth to brook submission in their fall, they voted an assault on Mansoul—that holy, happy, innocent place, where Godlike man, the image of his Maker, dwelt. This met with universal approval, was hailed with shouts of joy, and pandemonium echoed to the sound."[2]
Alecto
"ALECTO, a feigned being among the heathen, one of the Furies; described by their poets as having her head covered with snakes, and breathing vengeance."[1]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
Legion
"LEGION, a name assumed by the Demoniac, (Mark 9:15);—a battalion of the Roman army, consisting of 4000 or 5000 men."[1]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
Lucifer
"LUCIFER, the Morning Star, another name of a fallen angel."[1]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
Beelzebub
"BEELZEBUB, the Lord of Flies, an idol of the heathen, and a name used by the Jews for the prince of devils."[1]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
A member of the Council of War.[3]
Diabolus
"DIABOLUS is the Greek and Latin name for the Devil, and properly signifies the Calumniator or Accuser. The word is used, in Scripture, collectively, for the whole body of fallen spirits, whose original state of holiness and happiness the author describes."[1]
Gates - The Five City Gates
"Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate. The five senses are very properly described as so many gates of the city, for these are the doors by which good or evil must enter."[1]
Shaddai
"The Architect and Builder of the town was one SHADDAI. This is God's all-powerful name, indicative of his greatness, glory, and all-mightiness—'the pourer forth.'"[2]
"SHADDAI. This is a name of God often used in the Old Testament, but translated ALMIGHTY. It is a Hebrew word, signifying All-sufficient, or Almighty. It is derived from the Hebrew word for the breast, which affords nourishment to young creatures; and so intimates, that we derive all our support from God, as the helpless infant from the mother’s breast. This name is, in this work, applied to God the Father."[1]
"SHADDAI. This is a name of God often used in the Old Testament, but translated ALMIGHTY. It is a Hebrew word, signifying All-sufficient, or Almighty. It is derived from the Hebrew word for the breast, which affords nourishment to young creatures; and so intimates, that we derive all our support from God, as the helpless infant from the mother’s breast. This name is, in this work, applied to God the Father."[1]
Mansoul
"By the town of MANSOUL, as every reader must perceive, is intended the Soul of Man; figuratively represented, throughout this work, as a town. Just commendation is here given of it for the human soul, in its original state, was truly glorious, bearing the holy and happy image of God himself."[1]
Universe
"The world at large is here intended, displaying the wisdom, power, and goodness of the great Creator."[1]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
